Karnataka HC Petition Filed Against MUDA Case Quash Order
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Synopsis
In a recent development regarding the MUDA case involving CM Siddaramaiah, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna has filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the dismissal of his appeal for a CBI probe. This move could have significant implications as the budget session unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Snehamayi Krishna challenges the Karnataka High Court's recent ruling.
- Petition filed amid the ongoing budget session.
- CM Siddaramaiah implicated in the MUDA case.
- Call for a CBI investigation into potential abuses of power.
- Legal proceedings highlight concerns over impartiality.
Bengaluru, March 4 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case allegedly linked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna has submitted a writ petition to the division bench of the Karnataka High Court, challenging the single bench's decision to dismiss his request for a CBI investigation into the MUDA matter.
The appeal was lodged on Tuesday amidst the ongoing budget session, marking a potential setback for CM Siddaramaiah, who is scheduled to unveil the budget on March 7.
The petition seeks to overturn the order dated February 7 issued by the learned single judge.
“Grant any other or further relief/s to the Appellant which this Hon’ble High Court deems fit and thinks proper under the facts and circumstances of the case, to meet the ends of justice,” the petition further requested.
The petitioner has asserted in the appeal that he reserves the right to contest the closure report submitted by the Lokayukta in the appropriate jurisdictional court and does not challenge the closure report in this instance.
The appeal also includes the Union government, the State of Karnataka, the Director of the CBI, SP CBI, Karnataka Lokayukta SP Mysuru, Karnataka DGP, ADGP Lokayukta, and the inspector of Vijayanagar police station as parties.
Siddaramaiah is designated as the ninth respondent, his wife B.M. Parvathi as the tenth, brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy as the eleventh, and landowner D. Devaraju as the twelfth. In the context of the MUDA scandal, Siddaramaiah is identified as the primary accused, followed by his wife, Parvathi, and others.
The memorandum of the writ appeal is filed under Section 4 of the Karnataka High Court Act, 1961, in conjunction with Rule 27 of the High Court Writ Proceedings Rules 1977.
The appeal is represented by Vasantha Kumara and Associates, based in Kumara Park West, Bengaluru.
The petition asserts that the learned single judge entirely misjudged the issues that were never presented and argued before the court. The appellant did not question the credibility of the Lokayukta; rather, it is suggested that the influence of respondent number nine (Siddaramaiah) over the state apparatus has compromised the integrity of the investigation, leading to a potential bias that undermines public confidence.
Furthermore, it states: “The learned single judge disregarded that the documents attached to the writ petition substantiate that the respondent number nine has misappropriated trust to achieve personal ambitions with the assistance of family members and officials of MUDA.”
The petition elaborates that respondent number nine (CM Siddaramaiah) has a background of criminal allegations, including misuse of his position to aid his son in securing contracts and facilitating the illegal release of large tracts of land, among others.
Despite numerous allegations, no substantial investigations have been conducted to ascertain the truth, suggesting that respondent number nine is a powerful figure entrenched in the bureaucracy, making fair investigations unlikely.
“The respondent number nine, as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, holds significant executive power over the state, overseeing all administrative functions, including any criminal investigations. Additionally, the state government suspended a KAS official involved in the MUDA misappropriation, as per an order dated 31.08.2024,” the petition noted.
Crucially, the Writ Court acknowledged that an inquiry is warranted, as there are connections that must be explored further, particularly regarding the questionable legalities surrounding the compensation site allocations associated with the wife of respondent number nine (Siddaramaiah).
Recently, in a notable development for CM Siddaramaiah, the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, dismissed a petition demanding a CBI investigation into the MUDA case.
Following the hearing of both parties, the court reserved its decision on January 27.
